Skip advert
Advertisement

In-car vacuum cleaner mini test

We test the new in-car vacuum cleaner from Dyson to find out how it compares to our current best buy

Cleaning up crumbs in your car is simple with a dedicated vacuum cleaner. There’s no need to drag the household vac to your driveway, as the latest handhelds are small enough to be left in the boot for use away from the mains.

Dyson’s updated Animal DC34 has a motorised brush head for picking up pet hair, plus its digital motor claims to spin five times faster than an F1 engine. We put it up against our current favourite: the Halfords 12V Car Vacuum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our road test team loves these vacs, and we tested them on cars ahead of a photoshoot. We used them to shift dog hairs from the boot, biscuit crumbs from the driver’s seat and muck from the footwell. Plus, we counted the attachments included and rated suction over a section of carpet. Price was also a factor.

The Dyson’s suction is second to none, plus it’s easy to empty. Battery life is limited, though, and it’s just too pricey. So the Halfords is still best for clearing up on the go. Unlike the Dyson, it’s not cordless, but there’s a long 12-volt cable and it also has three attachments.

Money no object: Dyson DC34 Animal

Price: £179.99

Contact: www.dyson.co.uk

Rating:★★★★

Dyson DC34 Animal

Best buy: Halfords 12V Car Vacuum

Price: £19.99

Contact: www.halfords.com

Rating:★★★★★

Halfords 12V Car Vacuum
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £8,750Avg. savings £4,116 off RRP*Used from £7,500
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £38,050Avg. savings £3,308 off RRP*Used from £23,020
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £12,865Avg. savings £5,842 off RRP*Used from £9,349
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £24,040Avg. savings £1,557 off RRP*Used from £18,490
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

iCaur V25 is a new low-budget baby Land Rover from China
New iCaur V25 2026 - front static

iCaur V25 is a new low-budget baby Land Rover from China

Chery’s iCaur brand has revealed a boxy-looking car to slot between the V23 and V27, but it’s not clear if it’ll make it to the UK
News
19 Oct 2026
Skoda launches 3D print-at-home ‘Simply Clever’ features
Skoda 3D-printable accessories - cubby hole accessories

Skoda launches 3D print-at-home ‘Simply Clever’ features

Skoda’s famed ‘Simply Clever’ range of accessories has expanded to include downloadable designs to 3D print from your own home
News
19 Oct 2026
New Omoda X gets 4x4 looks and Lamborghini-inspired interior
OMODA X - front overhead

New Omoda X gets 4x4 looks and Lamborghini-inspired interior

The new Omoda X promises genuine off-road capability and will sit above the five-seat Omoda 7 in the line-up
News
21 Oct 2026